Backup Multi-Tool

S

Smash05

Joined
Jul 16, 2007
Messages
1,794
So, here is the deal. Bought my Charge ALX to more or less replace the Supertool that I have used for many years. Around that time I lent out my Supertool to my cousin who was driving across the country with not so much as a SAK. I told her she could mail it back. Well I am not pestering her about it, primarily because of the San Diego fires she just went through. So I find myself in need of a backup multi tool. By that I mean one that sits at home for emergencies while the Charge rides EDC. I was thinking of the Blast, but I want a serrated blade in addition to the plain edge. This leaves me the following options as far as I can tell.
Leatherman Core - all the tools of the previous supertool, in pretty much the same fashion except it has an easier to use lock.
Leatherman Surge - same size but with one handed opening, not sure if this feature is needed in a backup, but might be worth the extra coin.
Leatherman Wave - Same size as ALX, same tool configuration more or less. Still more expensive than the Core, but somewhat cheaper than Surge.
Victorinox Spirit - lots of tools, no bits needed, different manufacturer, but one I trust.

I thought about trying to find a used Supertool, but I might as well upgrade right??? Anyway its up to you now ;)
 
I have a Surge, and I really like. However, with its massive size and weight including all the bits, I tend to just leave it at home for household stuff. The one hand opening blades are nice and the tool has a very robust feel to it. If i were going to pick a tool to use more as a home or auto tool box that was much more stationary and less portable, then the Surge would be my choice.

I tried carrying the Surge on my hip when I got it back in '05, but for an EDC I need a tool that isn't going to pull my pants down. I've been EDCing my Crunch since I don't NEED needlenose pliers, but I miss one hand opening blade. The good news is that I have it on good authority (i.e. I stumbled across it in the closet) that my wife is getting me a Byrdrench for Christmas:thumbup:
 
Smash05 said:
So, here is the deal. Bought my Charge ALX to more or less replace the Supertool that I have used for many years. Around that time I lent out my Supertool to my cousin who was driving across the country with not so much as a SAK. I told her she could mail it back. Well I am not pestering her about it, primarily because of the San Diego fires she just went through. So I find myself in need of a backup multi tool. By that I mean one that sits at home for emergencies while the Charge rides EDC. I was thinking of the Blast, but I want a serrated blade in addition to the plain edge. This leaves me the following options as far as I can tell.
Leatherman Core - all the tools of the previous supertool, in pretty much the same fashion except it has an easier to use lock.
Leatherman Surge - same size but with one handed opening, not sure if this feature is needed in a backup, but might be worth the extra coin.
Leatherman Wave - Same size as ALX, same tool configuration more or less. Still more expensive than the Core, but somewhat cheaper than Surge.
Victorinox Spirit - lots of tools, no bits needed, different manufacturer, but one I trust.

I thought about trying to find a used Supertool, but I might as well upgrade right??? Anyway its up to you now ;)
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Really a personal call. I tried others and find the Super Tool/Core tool set and design suits me best. If you were satisfied with the Super Tool, the Core is a refined version you should like even more. That has been my experience.
 
You can't go wrong with the Core at home. My back-up (at home) is the Surge,...a little sexier than the Core. I don't really see any appreciable difference with the Wave and Surge if you're talking home use.:cool:
 
The Leatherman SuperTool 200 is being sold for about $35 in some stores now, e.g., TJ Maxx.
 
If you try the Vic Spirit, don't be surprised if it becomes your edc and the Charge becomes the backup. I have had several multitools, and the Spirit is the most practical convenient edc I've tried.
 
Foilist said:
If you try the Vic Spirit, don't be surprised if it becomes your edc and the Charge becomes the backup. I have had several multitools, and the Spirit is the most practical convenient edc I've tried.
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I agree, I swap it out once and awhile with my charge TTi. Both of the tools are great.:thumbup:
 
Matches said:
You can't go wrong with the Core at home. My back-up (at home) is the Surge,...a little sexier than the Core. I don't really see any appreciable difference with the Wave and Surge if you're talking home use.:cool:
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Wouldn't you know it?, the lock on my Core broke today...it's off to Leatherman. Anyway, it took two years of heavy duty use;)
 
I vote for the Surge. "Robustness" being the key factor. Personally, when I say back-up, that connotes urgency. And in an emergency situation, i find the one-hand opening blades a big convenience in speed.
 
Have you ever tried any of the SOG multitools, I love mine and they're coming out with one shortly that has dual assisted blads and one of them is serrated. Personally I switched my leatherman surge out for the SOG and am waiting on the new power assist.
 
For some reason SOG doesn't do it for me. I don't know what it is about it. I have "grown up" on leatherman and although others seem to think they are an inferior product I have never had one fail on me.
 
Matches said:
Wouldn't you know it?, the lock on my Core broke today...it's off to Leatherman. Anyway, it took two years of heavy duty use;)
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Whoa! A big reason I went with a Core is that it seemed bomb proof, but in a year's time it hasn't had enough abuse to really test that. What breaks a Core? Heavy duty use should not do it.
 
Things break sometimes. Anyway its not for home use, it is for backup. IE my Charge is lost, stolen, confiscated, etc.
 
znapschatz said:
Whoa! A big reason I went with a Core is that it seemed bomb proof, but in a year's time it hasn't had enough abuse to really test that. What breaks a Core? Heavy duty use should not do it.
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Take a look at how the implement lock pivots on the handle(s). The little eye piece that holds a pin broke at the point where it meets the handle. I say it was a fluke because it seems to have broken as I drew it from the sheath.

I'm not in the least dissatisfied given the mileage on the tool. Luckily, I have a SuperTool 200 which never got into action, so it had it's first day on the job today.:cool:
 
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